Rates have gone up. The market is crazy. Everything's a multiple offer situation. There are so many competitive bids out there. Is it even worth trying to buy a house? There are lots of reasons like that, that I hear people say every day and I'm here to tell you that especially if you're renting, you may not want to wait until the market crashes or wait until things cooled down. Yes, rates have ticked up just a little bit, but they are still historically low. Also, if you think about the fact that a $300,000 home with 5% down, your mortgage payment is going to be somewhere around just under $1,800. If you put 5% down, your rent may be $1600, $1700, $1,800 right now. Think about it this way. That year that you're waiting for that market to cool off, you will be spending $1,600 a month paying the equity in your landlord's mortgage. Wouldn't you rather be building the equity towards your own future, paying off your own home than paying somebody else's? Also, just like home prices are going up, rental prices are going up at the same time. So, don't wait so long that you get stuck in a cycle of having to continue to pay rent while the prices continue to go up just because you're waiting for some imaginary crash. Don't wait for it. It's probably not going to happen for a really long time. If you're thinking about buying a house or just dreaming about buying a house, give me a call. Send me a message. Ask me a question. I'm happy to talk to you and I'd love to walk through whether or not it is really a good time for you to buy.

Spring is finally here, but the spring market feels like it's been here for a while. If you have been paying any attention at all to the real estate market lately, you probably have heard a good bit about multiple offers, prices increasing, interest rates, and short days on market. But what does it all mean, and what does it mean for YOU and your real estate goals? I'm going to break down some of the info here for you, and give you my assessment (based on experience and research, but obviously not guaranteed) on what it all means, and how it impacts you. I've heard lots of people say they've thought of waiting to buy until the market cools, or until it "crashes." Here are my thoughts on that: the market is unlikely to "crash," at least not anytime soon. This is not a bubble in the sense of the last bubble ('06-'08). The problem there was primarily that lenders were loaning money to anyone, with very low standards proving they could pay it back. The market now is really a product of a few factors- The last bubble burst, putting some builders out of business, and causing most to slow down or stop building "spec" homes completely. A whole new generation of buyers has dropped into the buying pool (Hi Millenials!) Rates have been at all time lows for the last couple of years (yes, they have ticked up a bit, but they are still comparatively low to the "average" market.) Covid/quarantine/work and school from home...the list goes on regarding how we live in our homes, and how that has changed over the past couple of years, so more people are moving to accommodate those things. In the end, this crazy market is really a result of basic supply and demand. There are simply not enough homes for all the people who want or need to buy a home. So...will prices go down? Well, my thought is that prices won't go down anytime soon. The good news? They likely won't continue to increase at the same rate as they have been. If you're a buyer, what does all that mean? Well, my sentiment is always that if it's the right time for YOU to buy, it's a good time to buy. That is to say, sometimes there's no way to "outsmart" the market if you're buying a home to use as your primary residence. If you're going to be paying to live somewhere, and you usually are, you may as well be paying towards your own equity, rather than someone else's. Even if rates are higher than you'd like. You can always refinance if/when they go down again. If you're looking to buy an investment property, that's a trickier thing, because there aren't a lot of deals happening right now. (There are some, though, so it's not impossible!) In either case, talking through the possibilities, and the market conditions, in the area you're looking, BEFORE you find that place you want to call home, is invaluable in this market. The most important things you can do when buying in this market: Have realistic expectations (many people are writing 4-6 offers before they're getting to one that "sticks") Have a plan (know how much you can and are willing to spend, how much of a down payment is reasonable, and what your payments will be) Be ready to move forward quickly (and have all of those ducks in a row, including a pre-approval letter from a lender) when something comes on the market that you love If you're selling- yes, it is still a great time to sell, and things are going very quickly, often with few contingencies, and in many cases, OVER the asking price. That doesn't mean you can just throw a sign in the yard, though! Doing the prep work to get your home ready still makes a difference if you want to maximize the offers and the final selling price. This means cleaning, maybe a bit of yard work, staging, and overall, just making sure your house shines in its best light. It also means working with an agent who uses professional photography, who will do all the same things to market your property in this market that they will in a less "hot" market, and who will walk you through those things that will maximize the return on your investment. The difference that will make really is surprising, and can mean the difference in 5 offers vs 25. But, you say, "we can only accept one, though." True. But having more competition pushes everyone to build a better offer, giving you better terms, and a better price. Trust me. It's worth it. Do you want more details on the market or the neighborhood where you live (or want to live?) Reach out to me. I'd love to help you navigate the process, or just help you determine if it is a good time to buy or sell.  

Selling Your Home During the Holidays So you've been thinking about selling your home, but time got away from you, you've been busy, there was a lot to do (and forget about any updates or repairs that required building materials this year), and now it's the holiday season. You may as well just wait, right? Not so fast! While generally it is true that the market slows a bit during the winter and around the holidays, this market is different. Yes, I know I sound like a broken record, but just stick with me, and I'll explain. Benefits to Selling During the Holiday Season There are a few benefits of selling around the holidays, in any year, and in any market. First and foremost, there is just not as much competition. While you may not have a flood of showings, you can rest assured that those buyers looking around the holidays are actually looking to buy, and not just curious neighbors or folks out for a walk. But this year? Well, it's all that and then some. As I've mentioned before, this market is not a bubble (like the one back in '07-'09), but really is driven by a housing inventory shortage coupled with interest rates lower than we've seen in years. That means we've not really seen any of the normal drops in the market over the last year. In fact, the days on the market for our entire MLS area is still hovering right around 7 days. (That's the average, too, not the median.) Additionally, we're still at only 1.1 months inventory throughout our MLS area. That's still a long way from a balanced market (6-7 months of inventory). Even though it's a seller's market, there are still some special ways to prepare when you're selling in the holiday season. Top Tips to Sell Your Home During the Holidays Focus on your curb appeal! It matters more now than ever, when things tend to be a little more brown, gray, and the light is not as warm. Clean, clean, clean! Clean those windows, the entry area, and yes, even the trim. Add a fresh, new door mat, maybe a wreath, and a couple of containers with something evergreen. Tone down the outdoor holiday decor, if over the top is your style. Don't go totally Clark Griswold on the house if you want buyers to actually see the house, and not be distracted by the decorations. (I literally cannot stress this enough.) Use a Realtor® to list your home. (I know, sounds biased, but it really does make a difference.) Let's amend that to, "Use a Realtor® who works with a great professional photographer." Having professional photos is a non negotiable these days. I don't care how good your phone camera is. Pro photos will show your house off better. Every single time. Knowing your "perfect buyer." Your agent will know not only "who" your target buyer is, but how to reach them. Especially this time of year, when inclement and chilly weather is the norm, having an agent who will do a video, multiple photos, floorplans, or the like definitely makes it easier for buyers to know whether it's a favorite or a maybe before they even ring the door plan. Go easy on the indoor decor too. The line between great decor and too much is not actually that fine. Think more "warm and cozy holiday cheer" and less "where are we going to put our 900 piece Santa collection." (Pro tip- keep those in the box so they're ready to go to your new home.) Make sure it's easy to move around, and doesn't look cluttered. Got loads of wrapped presents? Keep those to a minimum, too, and if you've got the hottest video game console to be wrapped, just tuck it in a closet. No need to tempt anyone unnecessarily. There's also the bonus of the kids not easily finding their gifts before the big day. Doing some holiday baking? Good smells sell! Keep the feast of the seven fishes to the restaurants this year, but go nuts with the cookies, rum cakes, spiced cider, etc. Again, warm and cozy is never unwelcome in the winter! Perhaps the MOST important, price it to sell! I'm never going to be the agent who wants you to underprice your home, but especially in the winter months, when there are in theory fewer buyers out there looking, not shooting the moon with the price helps position you better in the market. If you're working with me, or any good agent, we'll sit down with you to review the comparables, their sold prices, and how your home stacks up to that. We'll use all the data available to come up with a great plan to help you maximize your investment, your time, and get you to your goals. What questions do you have about selling your home during the holiday season? I'd love to help you determine if now is a good time for you to sell!

I've helped many first time home buyers successfully buy their dream home, and over the years, I've noticed something that I want to share with as many future first time home buyers as possible! It's this- some first time buyers aren’t aware that they have the ability to use a buyer’s agent to represent them in one of the biggest purchases they will ever make! (AND, that it doesn't cost them any more!!) I want to put this out there to help educate as many people as I can. You can and SHOULD have an agent who works for YOU when you are ready to buy a home. Because let’s be honest, buying a home involves a lot more steps than most people realize. So what does a buyer’s agent do? In a nutshell, we help you, the buyers; navigate the entire home buying process one step at a time. I'll dive in and break it down for you. (Make sure you read until the end because there is great news waiting for you there!) First things first, a buyer’s agent will meet with you to go over the entire home buying process. That way, you're fully equipped so you know exactly what to expect. (We can do this in person or via Zoom) They will help you identify your needs and wants in a home, including your top "must haves" and your deal breakers. I'm a huge fan of understanding your "why," so I always spend some time asking why you want what you want. That helps me help you more than you know. They will then set up a custom home search that will find listings matching your wants and needs, so that you don’t have to filter through hundreds of listings that don’t even fit what you’re looking for. When you start looking at homes, you’ll notice that they will be listed by a listing agent. What's great about a buyer’s agent, is that they work in your best interest, not that of the sellers. In addition to helping you find a house that meets your needs, they will also help you understand your options when it comes to writing an offer, advise you on the market, help you determine what price to offer the sellers and most importantly, negotiate on your behalf. If you find yourself in a multiple offer situation (pretty common in this 2021 market), they have strategies to help make your offer stand out, while matching the seller’s priorities to give you the best shot at getting that dream home. Once you have an accepted offer, they maintain strong communication with both you and the listing agent so you'll always be kept in the loop and never left wondering what’s next! A buyer’s agent will also remove as much doubt as possible. They'll provide you with all the tools necessary to make an informed decision before you take on the investment of owning a home. Think of them as your go-to resource throughout the entire transaction. Not only will they educate you through each step, they will refer you to their trusted vendors. From lenders to home inspectors, attorneys, and contractors, there can be so many moving parts in a transaction that you’ll be thankful to have the help of trusted professionals and save time trying to research them on your own. All of this will help you have peace of mind throughout the home buying process and prevent you from falling into the buyer’s remorse trap! It’s time to fill you in on the best part about hiring a buyer’s agent. Here it is.. it costs you absolutely NOTHING! You might be thinking this all sounds great and I would love to have someone work on my behalf but how much is someone like this going to cost? Having a buyer’s agent won’t cost you anything because the sellers are responsible for paying all commissions. So, if you’re already searching for homes online, googling questions you have about the process and you’re ready to dive in, what are you waiting for? It’s time to find yourself a buyer’s agent who will work for you and walk you through all of this – literally, one house at a time! Look for a buyer’s agent who you feel is a good fit for helping you through the process of buying a home. When you’re interviewing different agents, you’ll want to make sure you choose someone who not only seems knowledgeable but someone who will be available, willing to educate you, able to communicate the way that you want and most of all, someone you feel comfortable working with! Maybe that's me. And, maybe it's not. But do your legwork here, and I promise you that the home buying process will be much easier!!

Today, I’m diving into an important topic that could make a big difference in the amount of money you net from your home sale. If you haven't been living under a rock, you probably know the market is HOT. There are more buyers who need houses than houses for sale. That means your home is in demand and it’s not even listed yet! That sounds like great news for you, doesn't it? It is! As a result of this market, I know there are lots of potential sellers thinking… "Hmm maybe we should just put a sign up in the front yard and see what happens." The truth is, the worst thing you can do as a seller in a hot market is to go it alone on the sale of your home. So before you head to the local hardware store for that "For Sale By Owner" sign, keep reading... I know you're doing the math and figuring out how much selling your home on your own could potentially save you... but I wanted to shed some light on a few important things to consider before you decide to go that route. If you're looking to the internet to determine that perfect listing price, you could be losing a significant amount of money. Online home values aren't always entirely accurate which means basing your list price on what the internet is saying could result in you leaving money on the table. Remember, those online "valuation" tools are just guessing, because they haven't been in your home, or anyone else's. They don't know that you just redid your bathrooms, or that the neighbor did not. Contracts and negotiations can feel like a foreign language if you're not a real estate professional. Not understanding how to navigate these or have someone work in your best interest could result in sticky situations and money lost. Demand - when you're in a hot market, one of the greatest benefits to the seller is that they're typically in the driver's seat. When there are more buyers than listings for sale, your house can spark a bidding war when it hits the market. However, without an agent helping you prep your home for the market, price it strategically, market it with a variety of methods and really get it out there, you can really miss out on that demand. You might have a buyer or two, but that isn't going to drive the price up (and get you an offer with the best terms) like it would if you had someone working for you. The best advice I can give to someone thinking about selling is this - Before you make the decision to do it alone, do some research and find an agent who has good reviews, comes highly recommended and who you can learn something about before reaching out. What does their experience look like? What are their clients saying? Schedule a consultation with them to see how they can help you net the most money possible from your home sale. Successful home selling is rooted in doing your research and making smart decisions that are going to position you in the best place possible when your house hits the market! (And I'm here to help!)

If you’ve been thinking about buying your first home, chances are you’re getting tons of advice from everyone you've mentioned it to. It can be pretty overwhelming, and that's why I want to share 3 home buying myths you need to know if you’re considering homeownership. These will help debunk some of the things you may be hearing from people who probably have great intentions, but probably aren’t professionals. MYTH #1: You Have to Put 20% Down to Purchase a Home This could be the biggest home buying myth of all time! Putting a minimum of 20% down on a house does have some financial benefits .. BUT it isn’t required. There are several options when it comes to financing your home so you’ll want to meet with a local lender to discuss these options before jumping head first into the process. There are loans that require as little as 3% down as well as resources for buyers struggling with down payment money and first time home buyer programs. MYTH #1 Tip: Do not get pre-approved from an online lender. Find someone local who you can actually sit down with, understand your options and make the best decision for your financial future. (I can refer you to some great ones.) MYTH #2: It Doesn’t Matter if I Don’t Have a Real Estate Agent Some buyers prefer not to commit to working with one specific agent. That means they don’t take advantage of hiring a buyer’s agent to help them with their home purchase. That means they’re on their own for scheduling showings, being alerted of new listings, and when it comes time to negotiations, they won’t have anyone working in their best interest. This is not a great combination- especially in this market. It can prevent you from getting an accepted offer on the house you really love because you haven’t been educated on the market or how quickly you need to make a move. Right now, that's QUICK! It could also result in you losing money or overspending because you don’t have anyone negotiating on your behalf. I don’t know about you, but if I’m buying my first home, or any home, for that matter, that does not sound like a great situation. MYTH #3:Prices probably won't keep rising forever. But a market crash isn't likely, based on who's buying homes now: people with low debt-to-income ratios who put a lot of money down after losing out on a few homes to other buyers. "They will not be the first to abandon their homes if there is a downturn in the economy," said Kenneth ErI of Climb Real Estate. "These homes are owner-occupied and not highly leveraged like in the run-up to the last crash."   There are certainly a few more myths, but I'm here to help you navigate them. If you think you're ready to purchaase, give me a call, or email me here. I'd love to help!

If you’ve been thinking about buying your first home, chances are you’re getting tons of advice from everyone you talk to. It can be pretty overwhelming. I’d love to share with you 3 home buying myths you need to know if you’re considering homeownership. These will hopefully help debunk some of the things you may be hearing from people who want to give their advice with the best of intentions, but who probably aren’t professionals. MYTH #1: You Have to Put 20% Down to Purchase a Home This is probably the biggest home buying myth of all time! Putting a minimum of 20% down on a house does have some financial benefits .. BUT, contrary to popular belief, it isn’t required. There are a number of options when it comes to financing your home so you’ll want to meet with a local lender to discuss them before jumping head first into the process. Did you know there are loans that require as little as 3% down as well as resources for buyers struggling with down payment money. First time home buyer? There are some great programs out there just for you. MYTH #1 Tip: Do not get pre-approved from an online lender. Find someone local who you can actually sit down with, understand your options and make the best decision for your financial future. I have some great lenders locally who I work with regularly. Trust me- I’ve been doing this a minute, and the ability to have someone locally is invaluable! MYTH #2: It Doesn’t Matter if I Don’t Have a Real Estate Agent Some buyers prefer not to commit to working with one specific agent and therefore don’t take advantage of hiring a buyer’s agent. This means they’re on their own for scheduling showings, being alerted of new listings and when it comes time to negotiations, they won’t have anyone working in their best interest. Not having an agent on your home buying team can even prevent you from getting an accepted offer on the house you really love. You may not be educated on the market or how quickly you need to make a move. It could also result in you losing money or overspending because you don’t have anyone negotiating on your behalf. I don’t know about you, but if I’m buying my first house, or any house for that matter, that does not sound like a situation I want to be in. Finally, as a buyer, you don’t pay the buyer’s agent a thing. While some folks think that means they’ll save money, they usually don’t- the commission is set by the homeowner and the listing agent (so no agent often just means they get it all) in addition to all of the value you get from a buyer’s agent listed above. MYTH #3: Wait Until “Spring” to Start Looking For Homes Real Estate Agents hear this ALL. THE. TIME. I want to share why you shouldn’t wait for a specific time of year to start your home search, especially Spring. There is less competition when you’re not in the prime months for buying and selling real estate. Buying in the “off season” could save you money because there are less buyers out which means less potential competition when writing an offer. It’s best to start your home search when you are ready rather than waiting for a certain time of year. There are always new listings coming on the market and you could be missing your perfect house if you want to start your search until a specific time of year. If you’re considering homeownership, you’re already ahead of the game by knowing about these 3 myths. Your next step should be to sit down with me. I’d love to go over the entire process with you and set you up for success. What questions can I answer?

You’re never just buying a house, you’re buying a home, and a lifestyle. That means when you’re writing out your list of must have home features and deal breakers, you need to think beyond the “house data” and figure out which features to focus on that will give you the lifestyle you want for yourself or your family. As a buyer, you might determine you’re looking for a 3 bedroom home with a finished basement on at least an acre, with an updated kitchen. What you really might be looking for, though, is a place to raise your growing family, a kitchen that overlooks the private backyard where you can watch your kids play catch while you make dinner, and extra space in the basement for games, toys and movie night! (That’s just an example but I think you get the idea.) So the lifestyle you are going to have in your new home is something you want to consider- probably the most important thing to consider- when determining which home features are best for your needs. LOCATION MATTERS FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE. You hear it all the time in the real estate world – location, location, location… and that’s because it’s true! Because while you can change paint colors, counter tops and put on that massive deck you’ve always dreamed of, you can’t move your house to a new spot (not without a lot of money anyways). Think of things like what your work commute will be like, how far you’re willing to drive each day, the features you want in your community, and the school district you want to be in if that is important to you. Do you want to be in walking distance to shops and restaurants? Do you want to be set further back from the road for privacy? Do you want the feel of a small community lifestyle or are you happier in a more bustling, larger neighborhood with lots of clubs and amenities? The location of your home will be something that isn’t going to change so figure out what is essential to you when it comes to that location and the lifestyle it will create! Now let’s talk about the home features that fit your lifestyle. When you think of home features it’s easy to jump right to that running list of criteria- the size of the garage, how many bedrooms, that “must have” updated kitchen and all of the “house data” I mentioned. Remember, though- you are ultimately buying a lifestyle, not just a house. I have some things for you to consider when you’re making that list of “must haves.” Write down these questions and really think about what your answers are: Where do you spend most of your time at home? If you love to cook and spend most of your time in the kitchen, you definitely want to prioritize the layout of the kitchen when looking for a home. You can always add in upgraded quartz countertops or that double oven but the size, layout and location of the kitchen should be a top concern if you don’t want to do any major renovations. What is something you wish you had in your current home? What is something you don’t want any longer in your current home? Is your yard too much to maintain and you yearn for something smaller with less maintenance? Maybe it’s the opposite and your current yard is just too small. Is a bigger yard, that you can fill with kids (or dogs, or both!), great cookouts, and maybe a garden, on your list? Which room in your house do you spend the most time in? How much space do you need to live comfortably and be able to enjoy the things you love the most? Are you hoping to have enough bathrooms to avoid chaotic mornings? These questions will help you determine which features could be the most important to focus on when the time comes to look for a new home. Maybe features like hardwood floors aren’t as necessary as having a layout that is perfect for entertaining and hosting holiday parties. You can always swap out flooring later but the layout is definitely more difficult (and more expensive!) to change. Think about how much time you want to put into your house. Do home flipping shows on HGTV resemble your homeownership goals? Many buyers are intent on finding a house they can remodel exactly they want they want. That’s great! However, lots of folks don’t realize how much work, time and money it can take. HGTV can make remodeling and flipping houses look a lot easier than it is in reality. Consider how much time you have to spend on home projects before getting yourself into something that is over your head and potentially over your budget which leads us to… Your lifestyle budget. Lastly, make sure to budget for your lifestyle, not just your house. It’s important to consider how much you can afford comfortably, not just what you can afford on paper. Many buyers are pre-approved for a significantly higher amount than what they are actually comfortable spending on a monthly basis. Think about other expenses you have when it comes to your lifestyle – what else is important to you? Do you love to travel or go out to nice dinners on a regular basis? Do you love attending as many games of your favorite football team as possible? What hobbies do you have that cost money every month? Make sure the amount you spend on your house doesn’t eat up all of your extra funds so you’re chained to the house and can’t have any fun doing the things you love! There you go- some of the top lifestyle considerations for buying a home. Location, home features that fit your lifestyle, how much work you’re willing to do and don’t forget to budget for your lifestyle! If you’re considering buying a new home in the near future and you want to chat more about the type of lifestyle you’re looking for, comment below or send me a direct message so we can set up a time to grab coffee!